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WRIT 340: Advanced Writing for Arts and Humanities: Evaluating Sources

Evaluating Sources

Evaluating Sources

•Scope

Who is the intended audience?  Is this a scholarly professional publication?   Or popular literature, intended for the general public? Or a source that was never published, and is just "out there”

•Currency

Is the information still considered valid? Or is it dated?

•Originality

Is this a primary source, such as a report from a research study by the authors?

 Is it a secondary source which compiles, analyzes or evaluates a primary source? commentary on another source?  Is it simply opinion?

•Reason

What is the author's goal of the article / book / website?

•Expertise

What qualifications does the author have? Why does this author have credibility? Is the author trustworthy?

 

Prepared by Catherine Gray, University Library Center Librarian, ISU-Idaho Falls used with permission

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